Stonewall Cymru launches new 'goods and services' guide for lesbian and gays

Stonewall Cymru launches new 'goods and services' guide for lesbian and gays

Stonewall Cymru is launching a bilingual guide to the new goods and services protections for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people. Sponsored by Lloyds TSB, 'The Colour of your Money' guide explains to lesbians and gays across Wales all they need to know about the new regulations.

The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 came into force on 30 April and outlaws discrimination in the provision of goods and services, including healthcare, hotels, housing and education. Lesbian and gay people no longer have to put up with being turned away or treated unfairly simply because of their sexual orientation; meaning that if goods and services are offered, lesbian and gay people are entitled to them.

Matthew Batten, Stonewall Cymru's Policy and Public Affairs Officer, said 'These protections will make a real difference to lesbian and gay people across Wales.

"We have heard some appalling cases of discrimination in Wales. One woman was denied a cervical smear test because she was a lesbian. This obviously left her in considerable distress and anxiety. We have also heard from two men who were turned away from a holiday park simply because they were a same-sex couple. The days of gay people being denied basic services such as healthcare or turned away from holiday accommodation, are thankfully over."

Matthew Batten added, "We want to ensure everyone is aware of these changes in the law and provide answers to some of the practical questions that people have."

Mike Fairey, Deputy Group Chief Executive at Lloyds TSB, said: "Lloyds TSB's support of Stonewall's guide to the new protections for gay people reflects our commitment to addressing the interests of our lesbian, gay and bisexual staff, customers and the wider community we serve. We are proud to be able to demonstrate our commitment through our work with Stonewall."

The new 12-page guide will be distributed across Wales through hundreds of outlets including libraries, lesbian and gay venues, Citizens Advice offices and community groups. A web version is available here.